Running is a popular physical activity that many people enjoy to stay active and healthy. However, running can also be a high-impact sport that can lead to injury if not practiced properly. From common injuries like plantar fasciitis and IT band syndrome to more serious injuries like stress fractures, runners are at risk for a variety of injuries. In this article, we’ll explore the most common injuries runners can experience, their causes, and how to prevent them.

1. Patellar tendinopathy: Patellar tendinopathy is an injury that affects the tendon that connects the kneecap to the tibia, called the patellar tendon. This injury occurs when the tendon becomes inflamed and degenerates due to overuse, repetitive overload, or direct trauma. Patellar tendinopathy is also known as “jumper’s knee” because it commonly occurs in athletes who engage in jumping activities, such as runners or basketball or volleyball.
2. Plantar fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. It is a common injury in long-distance runners and can be caused by overloading the foot, improper footwear, incorrect running technique, or a lack of flexibility in the calf muscles, lack of mobility in the big toe or a drop of the medial arch of the foot.
3. ITB Syndrome: ITBS is a knee injury that occurs when the IT band (a tissue that runs along the side of the thigh) rubs repeatedly against the knee bone. ITBS can be caused by incorrect running technique, improper footwear, or too rapid an increase in training intensity.
4. Achilles tendinopathy is an injury to the Achilles tendon, which is located at the back of the lower leg and connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. This injury occurs when the tendon becomes inflamed and degenerates due to overuse, repetitive overload, or direct trauma. Achilles tendinopathy is common in runners and other athletes who perform jumping or running activities.
5. Stress Fractures: Stress fractures are small fractures in the bones caused by repetitive stress. They are common in long-distance runners and can be caused by too rapid an increase in training intensity, incorrect running technique, or improper footwear.

If you are a runner and have identified with any of the injuries mentioned in this article, it is important that you take the time to properly treat your injury. Injuries like plantar fasciitis or IT band syndrome can worsen if ignored and can limit your ability to continue running in the future. At FARR we understand how important it is to stay active and healthy. That’s why we offer counseling and treatment services to help you recover from your injury and get back to running safely. Our team of trained physical therapy and sports rehabilitation professionals can help you develop a personalized and effective treatment plan for your injury.